11.30.2010

I'm always looking for creative + beautiful wallpapers as I have the urge to paper a wall in my home in the New Year. I've seen a birch pattern like this one used in similar nook space and I love how it looks in a corner. It seems to just expand the corner and pull the eye forward.

The space is altogether lovely; small nick-nack spaces are my favourite (& I have a slight obsession with baskets and boxes).

Over the past few weeks Kamloops has transformed from an arid dessert to a winter wonderland. For this reason, I've noticed a trend in my outfit selection. Layers. Layers and wool. Or, my favourite, wooly layers. I'm particularly fond of these pieces; a chunky-knit sweater and a wool coat will get me through this brisky winter.

Alexa's oversized sweater reminds me of one my Nana knit me a few years ago (it is a favourite of mine + perfect to curl up in on a chilly night).

11.29.2010

I really like these colourful yarn globes as they remind me of the DIY globes I posted last week. This whimsical collection would be perfect as a mobile in a child's room or over a table at a wedding or party. Don't turquoise, magenta, and white look lovely together?

I just can't seem to get turquoise blue Christmas decor out of my head. It is both vintage and contemporary and altogether lovely. This palette would work so perfectly for holiday entertaining as you'd be able to incorporate day to day items from around the house with a little added sparkle.

11.25.2010

This has to be one of the coolest gift ideas I've ever seen. Who wouldn't want a sweet chalkboard horse for their kitchen counter to jot down a love note or a grocery list? The figurines themselves are quite stunning. It's also adorable for wedding photos!

Fact: Issue Two of Rue Magazine (released earlier this week) was a Christmas Gift in and of itself. One of the reasons just so happens to be this fabulous Blue Christmas shoot.

The vintage details are to die for (they shot this set at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway with the Girls with Glasses!) and the sparkly tinsel + chic turquoise colour palette are purely inspirational. If I didn't already have a perfect idea for the big holiday party B and I are throwing this year, I'd be all over this.

This collection makes me want to scour etsy + eBay + thrift shops for vintage baubles and tinsel. How fun would this concept be for a New Years Party?

Have you ever put together a "non-traditional" advent calendar? I think the idea of small, pretty, packages or thoughtfully penned sentiments is such a sweet idea (+ I'm currently trying to figure out how I can do something fun for B... and I just realized that December 1st is in a week).

11.23.2010

Have you seen these whimsical string globes that seem to be appearing all over the wedding and design blog worlds? I for one am a fan and LOVE that the crafty folks who created them have also shared the DIY instructions!

Is it just me, or does the first collection of these globes create the same whimsical motif commonly accomplished by paper lanterns? I really like the layered look and various sizes, especially the smaller ones, which Jessica + Garret of Wednesday Designs have also assembled in vases (seen, here). They have provided some very helpful tips which indicate that prep is key for this DIY.

Is this a DIY project you could see your self attempting? Although I can't foresee myself starting this one in the very near future, I am keeping this one on the side burner for future design projects.

I just LOVE this braided style; it's so elegant. I really wish I could master the art of the up 'do as I think this would look equally as cute paired with a sweater and jeans as it does with a wedding gown. If you like this bride's style, may I suggest checking out the rest of her stunning wedding? (See here + here).

11.22.2010

Oh, how I love the glamour of old Hollywood. This shoot, put together by a talented group for Martha Stewart Weddings, showcases a few of my favourite things: monochromatic palettes, metallics, champagne, and sweet desserts. Needless to say, I've gathered loads of ideas for the 20's theme NYE partyB + I are hosting this year. (Don't you just adore that gold drink cart?)

Another detail I'm a fan of: the gold succulents. So chic.

This dress is so cute; a girl couldn't help but have fun in this sparkly party dress.

Are you hosting any Holiday parties this year? Do you have a favourite theme or style of event you like to host? Casual cocktails, a cozy evening of tapas and board games, or a full house of merriment?

What better song to start your week than "Dog Days are Over" by the fantastic Florence + the Machine. Did you catch them on SNL this weekend? Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Love her hair, love the birdcages they had on stage with them, love that every time I hear her voice I get chills and then want to dance.

11.17.2010

I must preface this post by stating that I am not very comfortable in the kitchen. Nor am I someone who gets the urge to cook up an amazing meal. Even after watching hours on end of the food network.

That being said, I am so very pleased and uberly excited to state that I've found my new favourite recipe/ kitchen-help site: do it delicious. It's creator, Jessica Seinfeld, organized these tutorials and how to's for a friend who - much like me - couldn't cook and this new site is full of ideas, recipes, tips, and shopping guides. And it will only get bigger and better. (Ack! I can't wait to try this halibut recipe).

The site hasn't just received my humble attention. Oprah and Ms. Paltrow are both fans. Which means big things are to come. Side Note: please tell me you saw Gwyneth on Glee last night. Do you have Cee Lo stuck in your head like I do?

There are so many of my favourite wedding elements here that I've lost track. casual beach elegance. intimate setting and guest list. long, flowing hair. understated glamour. a gorgeous gown + long vail. fabulous photography with the perfect amount of candidness. and again... the dress.

Are you interested in a fantastic opportunity to have photos taken of you or of your favourite person/ animal/ thing? My dear friend Miranda Karkling is currently offering 1-2 hour sessions for $150.00.

Contact her to book before December twenty fifth (not to worry - the shoot can be scheduled in the New Year). A fun shoot would be the perfect Christmas gift, don't you think?

Details: included in the cost of your session, you will receive a disc with 25-40 of the best shots of the day edited by Ms. Karkling.

Exclusions: engagements + wedding photography.

Do you have ideas or need ideas for something that might be fun to shoot? Give her a shout (her creative ticker is running 24/7). But remember (!) you have to contact her before the 25th!

11.10.2010

Kris + Andrea are getting married next June at the Semiahmoo Resort (pictured above). The couple's guests will enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere of the Seaview Terrace for a cocktail reception shortly after the afternoon ceremony. Outdoor entertaining is one of my favourite things so I jumped at the chance to provide some inspiration for the venue decor.

The reception will be in a large tent on the property which affords them a lot of creative design freedom. There are so many rental options for these structures. As you'll see below, tents are as versatile as a blank canvas.

Detail One: Lighting

Whether draped from the rafters or wrapped around trees & posts, strings of lights add the perfect touch of magic & romance to any soiree. This cost-effective option is both practical and glamorous.

These interior panels are typically seen in white; however, I love how this couple incorporated their wedding colours all the way to the top of their reception tent! It's altogether whimsical and it gives off a fun vintage circus/ "under the big top" vibe.

Oh, what a single chandelier can do to a space. I love the fact that we're seeing these gorgeous fixtures in new and inventive spaces. Chandeliers are even being used for their visual impact alone; I've seen many cases wherein they are styled out doors and are unlit.

I hope this little snippet was a useful glimpse into all of the possibilities that lie before you, Andrea. I'd love to work with your vision a bit more (I have some ideas for your colour palette and table decor) so be prepared for subsequent posts!

You gotta hand it to Martha & co. who do such a great job of supporting up and coming artists. (They have also put together an amazing collection of their favourite etsy wedding vendors). The Crafts Department is currently hosting the Holiday Craft Sale and taking votes for the top five sellers.

Make sure you check out the front runners & get your vote in before Friday (November 12) at noon (Eastern time).